Speaker
Description
We present the ongoing development of a Payload Data Processor for small satellites based on a Xilinx Kintex UltraScale FPGA. To increase the flexibility and reliability of the system, we use a Vorago Technologies ARM Cortex-M4 as a companion microcontroller. The controller configures the FPGA, can be used as an external scrubber, and controls the payload’s data acquisition electronics. A clear hardware separation between tasks related to payload telemetry and control and those related to data processing not only increases the reliability of the system but also allows to switch off the FPGA to save power without completely relinquishing control of the payload. This latter advantage is especially important for power-constrained small-satellite missions. A first in-orbit validation of the Payload Data Processor is planned for 2024.
